Increase of OH radical yields due to the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide by gold nanoparticles under X-ray irradiation.

We elucidate the decomposition mechanism of hydrogen peroxide, which is formed by water radiolysis, by gold nanoparticles (GNPs) under X-ray irradiation. The variations in yields of hydrogen peroxide generated in the presence of GNPs are evaluated using the Ghormley technique. The increase of yields of OH radicals has been quantified using Ampliflu® Red solutions.